Frequently asked questions

If you need an answer to a question that is not listed in this section, please feel free to email us at: vitaloxideinfo@gmail.com

What’s the Difference Between Sanitizers & Disinfectants?

Sanitizers are used commonly on food preparation surfaces and areas associated with infants and toddlers. Disinfectants would require a second step of rinsing a surface that has air-dried. Disinfectants are usually a chemical agent that destroys disease-causing pathogens or other harmful microorganisms but might not kill bacterial spores.

Sanitizers kill 99.99% of pathogens whereas Disinfectants must kill 99.9999% of pathogens.

Is chlorine dioxide (ClO2) some kind of bleach?

No. While chlorine dioxide has chlorine in its name, its chemistry is very different from the corrosive chemistry of chlorine bleach. The primary differences are that chlorine dioxide is less caustic, safer, and gentler than bleach and many other antiseptics and antimicrobials, plus it remains effective under organic load. Further, chlorine bleach produces harmful by-products to the environment, including trihalomethanes (THM) and haloacetic acids (HAAS). Vital Oxide breaks down to a simple salt, producing no harmful by-products.

Why can’t I use bleach?

When used as a cleaning agent, bleach remains on surfaces and continues to emit fumes. Recent studies have revealed that children who have had exposure to bleach in their homes are more likely to suffer from respiratory illness. Various studies have also linked the use of bleach in a household to a higher prevalence of asthma and allergies.

Bleach Interacts With Other Household Chemicals
Interactions with other commonly used chemicals can produce harmful reactions. When bleach comes in contact with ammonia or vinegar it can react to form chlorine gas, which causes cellular damage in the nasal passageways and lungs.

Bleach Has Harmful Effects on Your Body
Inhaling bleach causes damage to your lungs and organs. After accidentally inhaling the fumes, some individuals have reported feeling stinging in their nose and eyes, coughing, and lightheadedness, all of which are symptoms that indicate the corrosive properties of the substance. Additionally, chlorine-based bleach can damage your skin and eyes.

What does it mean that a disinfectant product is "green"?

The United Stated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reviewing the way third parties will be able to carry "green" claims on all disinfectant labels. EPA policy at this point does not allow "green" claims to be placed directly on any disinfectant product's label. While Vital Oxide is mild on skin, hard surfaces, and fabric, and will certainly qualify for "green status" when the designation is allowed, we cannot advertise this claim until it is permitted by the EPA. Vital Oxide is also a powerful disinfectant able to kill some of the toughest and most resistant forms of bacteria and mold. The chemical composition of Vital Oxide is such that it has a minimal impact on the environment and contains no ozone harming volatile compounds (VOC).

Is the product safe to use on all surfaces?

Yes VitalOxide can be used on a variety of surfaces, please refer to the directions for use.

Can I use it on electronics?

Yes. VitalOxide can be used to disinfect electronics, such as mobile devices, computer keyboards, telephones, TV remotes, game controllers and more. Please make sure to follow all directions for use as specified on the product label.

Do you have to wipe/rinse after using?

No rinsing is required.

Is it allergenic/will it cause irritation to eyes, skin or lungs?

VitalOxide contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and unlike bleach-based disinfectants, it is also odorless, colorless, non-caustic and non-irritating to skin.

What is the dilution ratio for VitalOxide?

For viruses on non-porous surfaces, use undiluted (full strength).
For Bacteria on food prep surfaces, 1 part VO to 9 parts water.
To Deodorize, use undiluted(full strength).
To Sanitize Carpet, 1 part VO to 5 parts water.
Allergen Removal, Spray undiluted (full strength) after 1-minute wipe excess.
For Mold and Mildew, use undiluted (full strength).

I see that Vital Oxide is used in schools and hospitals, but can I use Vital Oxide at home?

Yes. Vital Oxide is an excellent disinfectant to use in homes. Some of the best places to use Vital Oxide at home are in musty basements, in bathrooms where mildew has accumulated (or on surfaces to protect against mold and mildew), and in the kitchen to keep food-contact surfaces clean. Vital Oxide has also been tested on carpets and can be used around the house to sanitize carpets.

What are the advantages of using sprayers and foggers to disperse Vital Oxide?

The quickest way to disinfect a hospital room, an entire basement, or a school gym is by using a fogger or electrostatic sprayer that can create a fine mist to treat objects, walls, floors, and ceilings in a matter of just a few minutes. Electrostatic sprayers and foggers can dramatically cut the time to disinfect large areas. Vital Oxide is one of the few disinfectants that can be dispersed in this manner because Vital Oxide is non-corrosive to treated surfaces and objects.

With so many disinfectants and mold removers on the market, why should I choose Vital Oxide?

The easiest way to answer this question is simply, not all disinfectants are created equal. When evaluating and comparing disinfectant products, take a close look at their core ingredients. Vital Oxide uses a unique chemical compound called chlorine dioxide. While other competitors and manufacturers have attempted to copy and produce a form of stabilized chlorine dioxide similar to Vital Oxide, our revolutionary formula is simply unequaled. Chlorine dioxide has been used during Anthrax attacks, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, to purify drinking water, and most recently to kill MRSA in schools and hospitals. Also consider carefully what kind of chemicals you want around your children, employees, patients, students, and close family members. Most disinfectants and mold removers on the market are extremely toxic, but Vital Oxide gives you peace of mind that you are using an effective product that does not come with alarming safety warnings and precautions.

What is a Hospital Disinfectant?

As part of the EPA registration process, disinfectant products are put through rigorous testing to prove their efficacy and measure toxicity. The EPA registers three types of disinfectants: Limited, General, and Hospital. All three disinfectants destroy or irreversibly inactivate certain microorganisms on hard, inanimate surfaces and objects. You can determine a “limited,” “general,” or “hospital” disinfectant by the microorganisms listed on the label.

Limited must be supported by efficacy testing against either Salmonella cholerasuis or Staphylococcus aureus. Limited disinfectants are found mostly in household use.

General must be supported by efficacy testing against both Salmonella cholerasuis and Staphylococcus aureus. General disinfectants are used in commercial areas.

Hospital must be supported by AOAC Use Dilution or AOAC Germicidal Spray efficacy testing against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella cholerasuis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa hides behind biofilm and is difficult to eliminate. Killing this bacterium is required for “Hospital Disinfectant”.

Also, as part of this evaluation process, products are assigned to a toxicity category: The categories range from category 1 (highly toxic) to category 4 (no exposure warnings required on the label). Vital Oxide received an EPA category 4 rating for all exposure routes with the exception of mild eye irritation.

What is the difference between a cleaner and a disinfectant?

Cleaners are not registered with the EPA and cannot make public health claims on their label such as killing germs or having any anti-microbial action.

What is a Sanitizer?

A substance, or mixture of substances, intended to reduce the number of microorganisms on inanimate surfaces or in water or air (FIFRA § 4(i)(4)(C)(i)).

What is the difference between a ‘food-contact sanitizer’ and a ‘non-food-contact sanitizer?

A food-contact sanitizer, at a minimum, reduces the level of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by 99.999% on a food contact surface within one minute. A potable water rinse is not allowed after sanitation of a food-contact surface.

A non-food-contact sanitizer, at a minimum, reduces the level of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae or Enterobacter aerogenes by 99.9% on non-food contact surfaces within 5 minutes.

What does “no rinse required on food contact surface” mean?

“No rinse required on food contact surfaces” is a safety rating given by NSF International (previously the National Sanitation Foundation). The NSF testing guidelines are a continuation of the USDA product approval and listing program, including the FDA 21. Vital Oxide is rated “no rise required on food contact surfaces” category D2, meaning Vital Oxide is approved for use in commercial or residential kitchens to control bacteria, viruses, and mold without the need to wash/rinse the area with water after Vital Oxide is applied.

Can I clean and disinfect at the same time?

In some cases, you can clean and disinfect at the same time, but this depends on how dirty the surfaces you are cleaning/disinfecting are—the dirtier the surface the less effective the disinfectant. Disinfectants need to contact the area to disinfect and cannot do this effectively with a barrier of dirt or grime in the way. Once the dirt has been wiped away the disinfectant can get to work. Under lightly soiled conditions, you can clean and disinfect in the same step with just Vital Oxide. (NOTE: EPA requires all disinfectants carry the following label direction: “For heavily soiled areas, a pre-cleaning step is required.”)

Does Vital Oxide contain VOCs?

No. Vital Oxide does not contain volatile organic compounds.

How should Vital Oxide be stored?

Store in original closed container in a cool, dry place away from heat and open flame. Do not allow product to become overheated in storage. Avoid prolonged storage temperature above 40°C or 90°F. This may cause increased degradation of the product, which will decrease product effectiveness.

Does Vital Oxide discolor fabrics?

In some cases, Vital Oxide can discolor certain fabrics including cotton clothing. It is recommended to always test for color fastness in a small inconspicuous spot before treating the entire article. In one instance we had a report of a child’s clothing being discolored after sitting in a school bus seat that was sprayed with Vital Oxide. In this case the seats were not allowed to completely dry before being occupied. In the process of multiple applications in a short time period a buildup of Vital Oxide can also contribute to discoloration especially if the seats were previously treated with bleach. This is easily addressed by a spray and wipe step to remove built up product.

Is Vital Oxide septic tank safe?

Yes, Vital Oxide is safe for use with septic tanks

Can I mix Vital Oxide with other chemicals?

Do NOT use Vital Oxide in combination with any chemicals specially strong acids.